Charlotte Public Beach is just north of Cedar Beach (few minutes drive) and is $6 a day for parking and access to the beach. Otherwise, we recommend heading to Burlington for a few public beaches including: Leddy Beach, North Beach, or Oakledge. Burlington also has a great bike and recreation path alongside the water and beaches for biking, walking, rollerblading and running.
Outdoor shopping, restaurants and bars! Some stores include Outdoor Gear Exchange (OGE), Patagonia, Ecco, Vermont Flannel, Banana Republic, Lululemon, Athleta and more. Check out some favorites like Manhattan Pizza (shoutout to the owner and Charlotte's cousin, Matt Small), Lake Champlain Chocolates (for that sweet tooth), Ben & Jerry's (because, of course), The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, The Archives (favorite bar arcade), Red Square (live music & dancing), Ake's Place (darts & cheap beer), Nectars (live music & pool), and so many more!
Shelburne Farms is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. The campus is a 1,400-acre working farm, forest, and National Historic Landmark. There are plenty of things to do like more than 10 miles of walking trails, a fun and informative family experience at the Children's Farmyard, Brunch at the Inn, and Tours of the Historic Horse Barn, Cheese tour, House & Gardens Tour, and other Property tours. Call Shelburne farms or visit their site to see what's open for the season.
Shelburne Museum is a unique experience of American history, art, and design. Over 150,000 works are exhibited in 39 exhibition buildings, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the museum grounds. It is located on 45 acres near Lake Champlain.
Our favorite family-friendly hike right in Charlotte, VT. Just 10 mins from the venue. Sitting atop 968’ Mt. Philo, the 237-acre park became the first Vermont State Park in 1924. With breathtaking views of the Lake Champlain Valley and New York’s Adirondack Mountains, the park is a favorite of hikers and picnickers, and includes a small campground. Park hours are from 8am - sunset and you can either drive up or hike up the trail. There is a small fee per person.
Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont with a summit that peaks at 4,395 feet (1,340 m) above sea level. The summit is located within the town of Underhill. Drive up the Toll Road or take one of the trails from Underhill - Sunset Ridge Trail, Laura Cowles Trail, Hellbrook trail, etc. Camp, bike, zip line, and more! The drive to Stowe or Underhill from Charlotte is about 45 minutes and the hikes can take up to 4 hours, but this is a great activity if you have an extra day in VT!
The Charlotte, VT - Essex, NY ferry crossing is the Southern crossing of Lake Champlain, just 2 miles from Cedar Beach on the Vermont side. The ferry ride offers great views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains. Crossing time is about 25 minutes. Cross by car, bike or foot! We recommend riding across to get ice cream or food & drinks at the Old Dock. Also, if you are traveling to the wedding by car and coming through New York, you can take the ferry from Essex to Charlotte.
The Charlotte Berry Farm is a family friendly berry farm with a variety of berries including raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and pumpkins. Please come and visit the farm to pick-your-own berries, buy fresh baked pies, and enjoy creemees made with farm fresh berries. Call or visit their website to see updates on the season.
See how Vermont products are made at the Dakin Farm in Ferrisburgh, Take a self-guided free tour and visit the sugar house where you'll discover how to boil sap on site until it reaches maple syrup perfection. Visit the smokehouse for homemade smoked ham and bacon, sausages, spiral slicing hams and so much more! Stop in for a maple creemee or a meal's helping of free taste testers!
A corner store in Vermont tradition since 1853. Stop in for your morning coffee, smoothie, baked good or breakfast sandwich. Also great sandwiches and your essential grocery needs. Just down the road from the wedding venue and on your way to Cedar Beach or the ferry as well!
The Shelburne Country Store is an original 1859 Vermont Country Store where you'll find all your favorites and lots of wonderful gift ideas to choose from. Growing up, this was the kids' spot to fill bags full of hand chosen candy favorites - you will love it!
Just down the road from the venue, Charlotte Crossings has our favorite sandwich spot - The Red Onion! Homemade bread is to die for and we recommend ordering The Red Onion sandwich. Also, Charlotte Crossings has a nice restaurant, the Backyard Bistro, where you can enjoy some dinner and Charlotte Work Club, a co-working space for those who may arrive early or stay late and need a place to work!